AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Batson proposed the empathy-altruism hypothesis (Batson et al., 1991) which states that when we feel empathy for a person, we will help them for purely altruistic reasons with no concern about personal gain. If we do not feel empathy for them, then we need to decide whether the benefits of helping outweigh the costs.

Detailed explanation-2: -Specifically, altruism is the desire to help others even if the costs outweigh the benefits of helping. The social-exchange theory argues that altruism only exists when the benefits outweigh the costs-i.e. when your behavior helps you even more than it helps the other person.

Detailed explanation-3: -Here are academic theories about how we seek to help other people. Contact Hypothesis: bringing enemies together increases understanding. Equity Theory: we are happiest when give and take are equal. Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis: if we feel empathy we are likely to help.

Detailed explanation-4: -Example. A simple example of social exchange theory can be seen in the interaction of asking someone out on a date. If the person says yes, you have gained a reward and are likely to repeat the interaction by asking that person out again, or by asking someone else out.